Today We Rescued Your Dog
by Pat Closher
Today we rescued your dog. We don’t know where you got him from - maybe you saw him in a pet store window or maybe one of your neighbors bred a few litters a year just to make some vacation money or because they loved their dogs so much that of course they wanted to have puppies. We don’t know much about how you cared for him either, although our vet thought that for such a young dog, his teeth were in pretty bad shape.
by Pat Closher
Today we rescued your dog. We don’t know where you got him from - maybe you saw him in a pet store window or maybe one of your neighbors bred a few litters a year just to make some vacation money or because they loved their dogs so much that of course they wanted to have puppies. We don’t know much about how you cared for him either, although our vet thought that for such a young dog, his teeth were in pretty bad shape.
Did you know they were going to keep him outside? At least it was a pretty mild winter. There were no heavy snows, not much heavy winter rain and only a few days of bitter cold. But for all of those weeks he had no companionship, no care, and no love.
For some reason, your grandparents took him to the shelter. Maybe a neighbor complained about him or maybe their own health gave out or maybe they just got tired of him. You know the local shelter is a kill shelter, don’t you? You know that their own statistics indicate that about half of the dogs that enter are killed, don’t you? Maybe your grandparents thought he would be adopted quickly. He is a purebred, after all. No one was interested in him, though, maybe since he’s an adult dog and not a cute little puppy. No one contacted the purebred rescue group either. They probably would have placed him quickly, since he really is a great boy. The shelter is a clean place and they take good care of the dogs. They get good food and they’re bathed and brushed. It’s still a shelter though, and is noisy and chaotic and frightening. He spent two months there in that confusion, away from everyone and everything he had known.
One day, we saw him on the shelter web site. We called and asked about him. The shelter workers were so happy to hear from us and were delighted to agree to bring him to a local pet store where they do adoptions. Do you want to know why they were so accommodating? He was scheduled to be killed that afternoon. He didn’t know that, but the shelter workers certainly did. It hurt them and he felt that, so he knew something was wrong. All of a sudden, though, the shelter workers were happy and excited and so was he. They bathed him and brushed his coat. We think they probably told him this was it - his big chance, or maybe he just knew it somehow. When we met him, we all fell in love.
He had to go to the vet to be neutered, of course, but then he came home. He has his very own 13 year-old boy. You know, it’s almost like watching one of those old Lassie movies, seeing how well they’ve bonded. He’s got good food and his own toys. He’s taken on walks three times a day, is regularly groomed and is taken to the vet for needed care. We’ll be with him always, even if we have to make that last, difficult decision, because, you see, he is our dog and we are his family.
He has a good heart you know, but then he is a dog, so that’s to be expected. He’s probably forgiven you and, with a dog’s grace, doesn’t even remember you dumped him. He’d probably even be willing to greet you at the Rainbow Bridge. But you know what? He’ll greet us and go with us at the Bridge, and then he’ll be with us forever, because he’s our dog and we’re his family.
The way we heard the story, you moved out of state and didn’t want to take him with you. You left him at your grandparents. Maybe you thought a lively, handsome dog was just the thing for them, and under better circumstances it might have been. Maybe they have been cleaning up your messes for your entire life and an unwanted dog was just another mess to clean up.One day, we saw him on the shelter web site. We called and asked about him. The shelter workers were so happy to hear from us and were delighted to agree to bring him to a local pet store where they do adoptions. Do you want to know why they were so accommodating? He was scheduled to be killed that afternoon. He didn’t know that, but the shelter workers certainly did. It hurt them and he felt that, so he knew something was wrong. All of a sudden, though, the shelter workers were happy and excited and so was he. They bathed him and brushed his coat. We think they probably told him this was it - his big chance, or maybe he just knew it somehow. When we met him, we all fell in love.
He had to go to the vet to be neutered, of course, but then he came home. He has his very own 13 year-old boy. You know, it’s almost like watching one of those old Lassie movies, seeing how well they’ve bonded. He’s got good food and his own toys. He’s taken on walks three times a day, is regularly groomed and is taken to the vet for needed care. We’ll be with him always, even if we have to make that last, difficult decision, because, you see, he is our dog and we are his family.
He has a good heart you know, but then he is a dog, so that’s to be expected. He’s probably forgiven you and, with a dog’s grace, doesn’t even remember you dumped him. He’d probably even be willing to greet you at the Rainbow Bridge. But you know what? He’ll greet us and go with us at the Bridge, and then he’ll be with us forever, because he’s our dog and we’re his family.
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Jake came to me as a foster. He had just had his right rear leg amputated (from being hit by a car) and his right eye removed and sewn shut due to an older injury. I instantly fell in love with him and adopted him for my own. He was beautiful and had a wonderful personality. Having only three legs and one eye didn't slow him down much. He could run up and down the stairs as fast as any four-legged boxer. Jake loved camping, car rides, walks and just being with his family.
Jake had to be put to sleep on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2004. He suffered a brain tumor that overtook him in a matter of days. I knew it was time -- whether I was ready to let go or not. All the "life" was out of him. We took pictures, let him know how much we loved him and told him all the things we wanted him to know and remember. With his head on my arm and my hand on his heart, I held him until the end and then some.
I have pictures of him all over the house and that is where they will stay. When everything else in my world was upside down, he was always there for me. He was my security blanket. Whenever I was sick, he would lay with me on the couch (my constant companion), and this helped nurse me back to health more than anything.
I owe Jake so much, as I do all the other fosters I've taken in over the years. Jake was my encouragement to continue fostering, and still is. He was a favorite of everyone and will always be alive and healthy in our hearts. I love and miss him so very much.
Debbie Lon and family
LSBR Archive - 2004
This is one of the last photos of Buster that I had. He was 11 years 6 days old when he passed away on May 30, 2003. He was the best friend I ever had. He helped me through a divorce and start a new marriage. Buster was always listened well and was a cuddler. He was just a well behaved dog from the beginning. He survived 4 years with a irregular heartbeat that was controlled with medication. On the day he passed over he had severe irregular heartbeats and could not move. He had been ready to move on but I was not ready. On that day he let me know that now was the time. I will always miss him. He has been the one closest to my heart and now he can romp and play with no pain. He will be waiting for my Toby when the time comes. I love you Buster.
A donation has been made in memory of Buster.
LSBR Archive - 2004
Wishbone was born on August 8, 1995. We picked him out from a picture when he was only 2 weeks old. (They wouldn't let me see him in person yet) When we were able to take Wishbone home we knew he was going to be the best dog, and an incredible member of our family. We were very lucky to have him with us for almost 9 years. He was a friend, a playmate, a protector (although he wouldn't have hurt a fly), and his favorite thing; an 85lb lap dog that loved to cuddle with his mommy, daddy, and brother Barney.
Wishbone got ill and passed away very suddenly a short time ago. We were very grateful that he did not suffer from what ever it was that took him away from us. We will miss him dearly, and all the love he gave to us. I'm sure we will see him again.
A donation of $450.00 was given to LSBR in Memory of Wishbone.
LSBR Archive - 2004
Sadie (Fawn) was my first dog. Having grown up with Boxers there was no doubt what kind of dog I would get. My Dad took me to a breeder and bought Sadie for me. She was a perfect dog in every way. She was small for a Boxer but what she lacked in size she made up for in heart. When Sadie was one we decided she needed a playmate. A breeder placed a white Boxer with the agreement that she would be spayed and be spoiled. Angel saw Sadie as her Mom. Where ever Sadie was you would find Angel. Sadie cleaned Angels face till her last day. When Sadie turned 12 her back legs were starting to fail. On March 15, 2004, I called my wonderful vet and he came to my home and while I held Sadie and told her what a wonderful girl she was my vet eased Sadie over to the bridge. Sadie was 12 years and 5 days old. Angel never recovered from Sadie's death. She literally grieved herself to death. We tried to find a dog food she would eat and finally did but at that point she had gone from 60 pounds down to 44 pounds. She had lost her will to live. Angel passed away in her sleep on May 23, 2004. Angel was 11 years and one day old. It broke my heart to lose my girls so close together. It was a huge chapter of my life that has now closed but I am happy that they are together once more.
LSBR Archive - 2004
Trooper Morris
A $50 donation was made in memory of Trooper Morris by Richard and Tessie Morris.
LSBR Archive - 2004
A $50 donation was made in memory of Trooper Morris by Richard and Tessie Morris.
LSBR Archive - 2004
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